In February 2004 — just about this time exactly, in fact — my BFF from college, Sid, and I drove all the way down I-55 from its start in Chicago to its end near New Orleans, for five days of wandering and photo taking and partying during Mardi Gras. It was the first grown-up vacation I ever took, and it was fantastic, in large part because of the company. Sid is my oldest friend at this point in my life; the person who has known me, continuously, the longest, and who also still loves me. She is my favorite giraffe. She knows my secrets and loves me despite them.
Today she’s 30, and newly engaged to a great guy. She beats me to our new age every year by three weeks, but I don’t hold it against her. I just hope that her 30th year is just as fantastic as all her others have been. ♥
brand new kind of photography 
❤ I still reference the New Orleans trip as one of the best vacations, trips, birthdays ever, and it's mostly that way because it was with you.